Real Madrid News
Real Madrid captain pleads for forgiveness after Copa del Rey elimination: ‘We have hit rock bottom’
Real Madrid’s nightmare run only continued on Wednesday night as they fell to a 2-3 defeat to Albacete in the Copa del Rey Round of 16, just days after losing to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.
The result means the Merengues have been eliminated from the Spanish Cup in what is one of their most humiliating eliminations ever. Further, they have now lost out on two trophies in less than a week.
At no stage, however, did Real Madrid look convincing last night, and they never led at any point in the game, with Albacete taking the lead on all three occasions and the European stalwarts constantly chasing a deficit.
Captain’s apology
Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal was the only player to face the media after the embarrassing defeat.
While he did not speak for long, his statement came as a heartfelt apology to fans for the team’s disastrous week.
“Today, we have hit rock bottom. A Second Division team has eliminated us, and congratulations to them,” he began, acknowledging the defeat.
“Starting tomorrow, we have to do an individual and collective self-criticism,” he added on the next step.
The captain then stayed positive and vowed to fight in all remaining competitions until the very end.
“We are in time to get back to the season. We have two fantastic competitions for which we are going to fight. The team right now is not at its best and we have to work hard.”
The veteran defender also spoke on where the team must improve and do better on the field, saying,
“We all have to give a lot more and it’s a reality. That’s the message: go all out.”
Finally, he apologised to fans around the globe for the team’s disappointing performance.
“We also apologise to the fans, and I think we are not, up to the expectations of this club. We promise to leave our lives in the games of the coming months so that the situation is reversed.”
Source: Real Madrid website
Real Madrid News
Carlos Espi reacts after scoring match-winning goal in Elche 2-3 Real Madrid: ‘Starting like this is a dream’
Carlos Espi is becoming Real Madrid’s unlikely late-game specialist.
The 21-year-old once again came off the bench to rescue Jose Mourinho’s side, this time scoring the 91st-minute winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche.
It was his second goal for the club, and both have arrived at crucial moments.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Espi could barely contain his excitement.
“I’m so happy—the happiest man in the world. I try to help the team any way I can, and every time I step onto the field, I give it my all and come away feeling great.
“Starting like this has been a dream. This isn’t over yet; we’re going to keep going because we have Sunday’s match coming up.
Carlos Espi winning goal in Elche vs Real Madrid game. Mbappe assist. pic.twitter.com/STJBV3ikQL
— Daily Foot Vibes (@dailyfootvibes) September 16, 2026
“This is a team effort. All of us who take the field make the most of our opportunities and give it our all,” he began.
Espi keeps making his minutes count
There is a growing pattern to Espi’s involvement. Even though he has yet to start a match for the first team, that has not stopped him from making an impact.
His first goal arrived against Espanyol in Real Madrid’s opening game, when another late strike helped secure the result.
Against Elche, he was required again after Real Madrid surrendered a two-goal lead and suddenly found themselves in serious trouble.
Espi eventually appeared at the back post in the 91st minute and finished the move to give Mourinho’s team all three points.
The youngster shared the credit with his teammates, but he also had special praise for the player who supplied his decisive moment.
That assist came from Kylian Mbappe, whose presence has made Espi’s route into the starting XI particularly difficult.
“It’s unbelievable—it’s crazy to watch him train and play. In this case, he set me up for the goal, and I’m very happy for him, too.”
First Madrid derby already has Espi excited
The timing of Espi’s latest contribution could hardly be more interesting, as Real Madrid now face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, giving the forward an opportunity to experience his first Madrid derby.
“I’m really looking forward to it—I’m so excited. It’s my first derby here, and we’re going to go for it.”
For Mourinho, Espi is a useful option when matches become chaotic. He may not yet be a regular starter, but his two appearances on the scoresheet have carried considerably more weight than the minutes he has played.
